Out and About

I wanted to go celebrate Bastille Day a day late with my classmate Jacci and her older brother. I did go to the Firehouse Lounge, as specified, but certain things held me up and by the time I got myself and eyes2theskye and our friend Andrew there, Jacci had left. I called her, but she didn't answer. eyes2theskye wasn't feeling so great, so I dropped him off at home and Andrew and I conducted a short tour of a few Oakland dive bars. Uncle Sammy's...Tommy's? something on that order, across the street from Bootleggers, was our first stop. We drank 1 beer each and talked, and then left. I suggested Bootleggers, but instead we headed up Atwood, passing by India Garden and Spice Cafe, opting instead for another dive bar, now called Gene's Place. The old Denny's has been revamped...well, as much as you can revamp the same old space. It has new tile and a new owner, who was joyously greeting customers and carrying around a never-empty pint of beer. We got a pitcher to share, and as it got warmer and warmer, so did our conversation. I shall not disclose the content. Lady's honor. But I did chat with a regular at the bar and her friends, who were smoking Bugler. Ick. I loved handrolled cigarettes, but Bugler was just nasty. The poor girl said she used to hate it, but since it's cheap, she's been smoking it anyway and now has grown to almost enjoy it. Strange the habits we have.